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Down-to-earth Jim believes the popularity of Downton is the reason he has been given the award.

He made light of the news when it was announced he had been recognised in the Queen's New Year's Honours.

The 70-year-old actor said at the time: 'I mean, I guess it's mainly recognition due to Downton Abbey.

'It says "for services to drama" and I'm not sure quite what services I've given to drama - longevity probably as I'm approaching about 49 years in the business - so a long service medal!

Cosying up: He was supported by his proud wife Imelda Staunton, 63, at the Investiture Ceremony

Beloved role: Jim is best known for playing butler Charles Carson in Downton Abbey and he joked, 'I'm sure [the OBE] is in recognition of the popularity of Downton'

'I'm sure it's in recognition of the popularity of Downton and also personally I like to quietly take it as a thank you for what Downton has allowed me to do in terms of work for charity and fundraising.'

Jim admitted he was 'delighted' at being able to tell his 99-year-old mother, Molly Carter, the news of his OBE.

He enthused: 'I'm honoured. I'm particularly delighted this honour came in time to share with my mum, Molly, who is 99 and she was thrilled, she lit up at the news, so that was very good.'

Jim's wife, actress Imedla Staunton, was awarded a CBE for her services to drama in 2016.

Discussing how Harry Potter star Imelda took the news of his OBE, Charles said: 'She was delighted.'

The Harrogate-born star began treading the boars during his time at the University of Sussex where he studied law and was a key member of the Drama Society.

Thespian couple: Vera Drake star Imelda boasts an honour of her own since she was awarded a CBE for her services to drama in 2016

Major moment: Dressed in a smart suit, the dapper star couldn't hide his delight as he chatted to Prince Charles during the Investiture Ceremony

Thrilled: Jim admitted he was 'delighted' at being able to tell his 99-year-old mother, Molly Carter, the news of his OBE

He quit his course after two years and joined a fringe theatre group in Brighton before carving out a career as a professional actor, with countless theatre credits to his name.

He has appeared in films including Brassed Off (1996), Shakespeare in Love (1998) and Transformers: The Last Knight (2017).

Jim met fellow thespian Imelda Staunton in January 1982 while rehearsing for Richard Eyre's Guys and Dolls at the National Theatre.

The pair wed in 1983 and live in West Hampstead with their pet dog, a Yorkshire Terrier named Molly.

Imelda said of her husband's career: 'He has never been the sort of actor who yearns to play Hamlet.

'Maybe it's because he came to acting from performing in the circus. He has always done just what he wants to do.'

Long-term loves: The pair wed in 1983 and live in West Hampstead with their pet dog, a Yorkshire Terrier named Molly